Astros 5, Dodgers 0
The boys have now scored two runs in their past 30 innings -- and seven runs in 36 innings since Furcal went down. Tonight, they were held to three hits over seven shutout innings by Chris Sampson, who came in with a 7.96 ERA. It's only a three-game losing streak, but there is cause for alarm. Back problems tend to crop up again and again, and this team had better figure out a way to win without Furcal in the lineup or it's going to be a long season. Oh, and Billingsley got knocked around in the first two innings. He settled in and retired the final nine batters he faced, but by then, the damage was done. The 'Stros got to him for five runs (four earned) on five hits with two walks (one intentional), a hit batter and two wild pitches, all in the first two innings. ... The D-backs lost again tonight, so the Dodgers blew another golden opportunity to gain ground in the standings, so they stay 3 1/2 back. The boys fall to 19-17, and assure themselves of losing a series for the first time since they were swept in Atlanta three weekends ago. Unless Kuroda comes up big tomorrow, they're looking at another sweep here. ... btw, Lance Berkman has now reached safely in 24 of his past 29 plate appearances.
I do not understand why not one single "accredited" commentator - on TV (FSN), LA Times, News press (you), nor anywhere else - has queried why Andre Ethier is not playing, *especially* when Furcal is sidelined. I think I have now read some 300 blog comments asking this question, but no one in the established channels even mentions Ethier's name, let alone poses the question directly to Joe Torre.
Yes, we understand Torre wants to play Jones for 1000 games or whatever until he supposedly starts hitting. Yes, Pierre had a few good games. But Ethier is one of the team's top hitters. How can he remain out of the lineup day after day, especially when Furcal is out of the line-up? It would be one thing if they were still winning every day and could carry the two lame outfielders. But they're not. Why is no one asking Torre the Ethier question, every day if necessary?
Just play the best players. It's that simple.
We've scored two runs in three games against mediocre pitching at best based on their recent performances. I think the time has come to let Mssrs Jones and Pierre rest their derrierres on the pines and see what Andre and Delwyn can do. I don't see how they can do any worse. Sorry, Joe Torre and Ned Colletti, but we need a change!!!